Tata Technologies Shifts to Local US Hiring Strategy Amid Trump's H-1B Visa Fee Hikes

The Trump administration has announced plans to significantly increase H-1B visa fees, stating this measure is intended to protect American workers from foreign wage competition.

Tata Technologies' Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Warren Harris revealed on Friday that the company will increase recruitment of local nationals in the United States in response to the Trump administration's comprehensive immigration restrictions.

The United States government intends to implement substantial fees for H-1B visas, which are extensively utilized by major technology companies including Amazon.com and Meta Platforms, as part of what the Trump administration describes as efforts to safeguard Americans from foreign wage competition.

"Our reaction and response to the changing legislation regarding visas will necessitate increased recruitment of local nationals in the United States," Harris explained to Reuters during a Friday interview.

According to government statistics, Indian nationals constituted nearly three-quarters of H-1B visa recipients last year.

Tata Technologies, which delivers engineering and technology services to automobile, aerospace, and heavy machinery manufacturers across more than two dozen countries, employs over 12,000 people globally, with operations in the United States.

While the Pune, India-based company does not disclose country-specific revenue or employee numbers, North America generated approximately one-fifth of its 51.68 billion-rupee ($587.97 million) revenue during 2024-2025.

Tata Technologies, whose client portfolio includes Jaguar Land Rover, Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast, and Boeing, already maintains a workforce comprising over 70% local nationals in China, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Indian engineering service providers, who heavily depend on outsourcing contracts from American corporations, have faced challenges as automotive clients reduce spending due to the impact of US tariffs.

Nevertheless, the Tata Technologies CEO maintains optimism regarding the US market.

"That market continues to be very vibrant and important," Harris stated, adding, "We anticipate an upturn in the United States within the next 6 to 9 months now that our customers have adjusted to the new tariff environment."

Harris also mentioned that Tata Technologies, which recently announced plans to acquire German competitor ES-Tec Group for 75 million euros ($87.47 million), intends to make additional "targeted" acquisitions in the coming years.

In a separate announcement on Friday, Tata Technologies reported a 5% increase in quarterly profit.

($1 = 87.8950 Indian rupees)

($1 = 0.8575 euros)